Spring
2016
International Students & Scholars
F1 students
Pre-Arrival Guide
New York City Campus
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PACE UNIVERSITY
New York City Pre-Arrival Guide for International Students
Page
Contents
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Before You Arrive & NYC Campus Map
3
Applying for F-1 Student Visa
5
Arriving in the U.S.
5
Getting to Your Destination
6
International Student Orientation
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International Student Mandatory Check-In
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The New York City Campus
8
Money & Banking
10
New York, NY
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Weather: Four Seasons of Fun!
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In Closing…
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BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
We look forward to welcoming you to New York and Pace University! The information contained in this
booklet is designed to help you prepare for your journey and your future as a student of Pace
University. It will answer questions about what to do before you leave your home country for the U.S.,
and what you can expect when you arrive. If you have any questions or require further information,
please contact the International Students & Scholars Office (ISS) at:
International Students & Scholars Office
New York City Campus
Pace International
163 William Street, 16th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 1-212-346-1368
International Students & Scholars Office
Westchester Campuses
Pace International
861 Bedford Road
Kessel Student Center, Room 212
Pleasantville, NY 10570
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 1-212-346-1368
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Entry into the United States
Preparing for Travel
Prior to departure to the United States, international students should be sure that they obtain a proper
nonimmigrant visa at a United States Embassy or Consulate. Students who receive a Form I-20 issued
by Pace University will acquire an F-1 visa, provided they meet the criteria set by the visa-issuing
consular officer (i.e. financial documentation, intent to return to the home country, etc.). Students
should not enter the United States with a B-2 tourist visa, as it may be impossible to change it to F-1
visa status at a later date.
U.S. F-1 Student Visa
This is a computer-generated entry permit that is issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad for you
to enter the U.S. to begin a degree program. For more information about a visa application, please visit
the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov and https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/.
SEVIS Fee I-901 Form
Prior to your visa interview, remember to pay the $200 USD SEVIS fee. Step-by-step instructions on
how to pay SEVIS fee can found in your welcome packet received from Pace. More information can
be obtained here: http://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/paying-your-i-901-sevis-fee
Scheduling your visa appointment
For information on scheduling your visa appointment and to find the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
nearest to you, visit http://ustraveldocs.com/. You can learn more about student visas here:
http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/study-exchange/student.html.
Visa processing times vary widely depending on the country and time of year, and some applications
may experience a time-consuming background check. Therefore, we suggest scheduling your
appointment as soon as you receive your Form I-20 from Pace University, but no earlier than 120 days
prior to the program start date listed on the Form I-20. Once you receive your visa, you may enter the
U.S. no earlier than 30 days prior to the program start date.
*Canadian citizens are exempt from obtaining a physical visa, but must present their valid passport,
Form I-20, and SEVIS fee payment receipt at the port of entry to the U.S., and obtain an I-94 arrival
record annotated by class of admission as F-1.
Things to remember
1. Check with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at which you will apply for a student visa about
requirements for F-1 visa applicants.
2. Your personal information on your Form I-20, F-1 visa application, and all other forms you
complete must always match the information in your passport. Contact your admissions
counselor immediately if the personal information on your Form I-20 does not match your
passport.
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3. Apply for your F-1 visa as soon as possible! There may be considerable wait time for both a visa
interview and visa processing. Visit the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at which you
will apply for information about wait times and to schedule your appointment. You may also visit
travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/general/wait-times.html/ for current wait-times at U.S.
Embassies and Consulates worldwide. F-1 visas may be issued up to 120 days before your
program start date, as indicated on your Form I-20.
4. When you appear for your visa interview, you should expect that it will be brief. A visa-issuing
consular officer will likely ask you about your reasons to study at Pace University and in the U.S.,
about your degree program, and about your professional goals upon returning to your home
country. It is very important that you are prepared to answer these and other questions briefly
and to the point.
Dependents of F-1 students will be issued an F-2 visa if they are accompanying or joining the F-1
student in the U.S. You must be able to show that sufficient funds are available to cover the entire
family’s living expenses. A visa will not be issued without this evidentiary proof.
Travel insurance
You may wish to have travel insurance in case your bags are lost or damaged on the journey to New
York. Speak with your airline or travel agent for information on purchasing travel insurance.
Pre-departure checklist
Please use this checklist to help you plan for your journey to Pace University:
 Check with your airline regarding limits for the number of bags you may bring with you, along
with weight and size restrictions
 In addition, check on restrictions for carry-on baggage
 Ensure you have a valid passport with an approved F-1 student visa. Keep your Form I-20 handy
in your carry-on baggage or inside of your passport; you will need to present it at the port of
entry. We encourage you to make photocopies or scan all important documents.
 Arrange for cash, credit card, and/or debit card to support yourself until you can open a U.S.
bank account
 Arrange for travel insurance
 Check the compatibility of any electrical equipment you are bringing! Depending on the
appliance you might need an adapter to fit a U.S. electrical outlet. If you come from a country
where 220/240 volts is used, most of your electrical appliances such as computers and iPods
should work in the U.S. (check your owner’s manuals to be certain).
Arriving in The U.S.
Initial F-1 status students will not be allowed to enter the U.S. earlier than 30 days prior to the program
start date listed on the first page of the Form I-20. Therefore, please make your travel plans
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accordingly in the event that you plan to visit relatives or friends in the U.S. before you begin studies at
Pace University.
If your Form I-20 was issued in transfer pending status, noted on the first page of your Form I-20, you
may travel within and enter the U.S. with no limitation prior to your program start date listed on your
Form I-20.
At the U.S. port of entry, an officer of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent will review
your documents, including passport, F-1 visa, and Form I-20, and return them to you. You should be
prepared to answer the following questions:
• What and where will you study?
• Do you have family connections in the U.S.?
• Where will you be staying while attending Pace University?
An electronic record of your arrival will be created by a Customs Border Protection (CBP) agent at the
point of entry. A non-immigrant electronic I-94 arrival record is obtainable here:
https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html. Once you accessed your I-94 record on line, you should
review all the information and ensure that it is correct. Your record should indicate the day you
entered the U.S., the class of entry (visa type), and duration of stay – which should be annotated as
“D/S” (Duration of Status/Studies). If all information is correct, print two copies – one for your record
and one for the check-in at the International Student Orientation.
Getting to Your Destination
Before arriving in the U.S. you should have a plan for how you will travel from the airport to your final
destination. There are several options for ground transportation, including taxi cabs, car services,
shuttle services, and trains. You should ignore offers of transportation from solicitors inside the
terminal itself – soliciting of ground transportation is illegal and many illegal solicitors are unlicensed
and uninsured. In addition, you should ignore non-uniformed people offering to assist you with
baggage; seek out uniformed porters or airline employees for baggage assistance.
Taxi cabs are the easiest and most direct – if likely the most expensive – way to get from any of the
New York City area airports to Pace University campus housing, and any location in the City and New
Jersey. Taxi cabs are supervised by the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) and are readily available
at any airport terminal, day or night. There are also numerous car and shuttle van services available to
utilize, and pre-booking a vehicle or seat is strongly recommended. Please visit
http://www.panynj.gov/airports/jfk-taxi-car-van-service.html for John F. Kennedy International Airport
(JFK)
or
http://www.panynj.gov/airports/ewr-taxi-car-van-service.html
for
Newark-Liberty
International Airport (EWR) ground transportation options and tips.
Public transportation from the airports to New York City is typically the least expensive, but more timeconsuming, way to get to your destination, and is recommended primarily for experienced students.
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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION (ISO):


Thursday, January 21, 2016 8:30am-12:00pm – Check-In begins at 8:00am in the Lobby of One
Pace Plaza) – GRADUATE STUDENTS
Thursday, January 21, 2016 1:30pm-4:30pm - Check-In begins at 12:45pm in the Lobby of One
Pace Plaza) – UNDERGRADUATE FRESHMEN STUDENTS
This orientation program is MANDATORY FOR ALL NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS and will help prepare you for
life in the U.S. and for studying at Pace University. ISO is an excellent opportunity for meeting fellow
classmates, ISS staff, and the Pace University community as a whole.
During orientation you will learn about immigration regulations pertaining to F-1 visa status; learn from
Pace Career Services about an internship program; receive an introduction to the myPace Portal, and
more.
Mandatory International Student Check-In
Please bring the following documents to orientation for mandatory check-in:
 Passport with visa affixed
 Your current Form I-20 from Pace University and previously issued I-20s (for transfer students)
 I-94 electronic arrival record (print out from here: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html)
Note: If you cannot attend ISO please contact our office so we can schedule a make-up orientation
session for you and check you in.
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The New York City Campus
NYC Pace students study and work right in the middle of the greatest city on Earth! You could spend
the next four years exploring the City and never have the same experience twice…or you may find your
favorite neighborhood haunt and make it your home away from home. Whatever you’re looking for,
you’ll find it in New York City, home to over 8 million people…including over 1500 Pace University
international students from around the world. We are located in the heart of the Financial District in
lower Manhattan – the list of people, places, and things to do is virtually endless!
In addition to the surrounding area, there are a wide variety of activities happening on campus!
Connect with friends at the Eddie Layton Student Union, Mortola Courtyard, or Café 101…browse the
Pace Bookstore, just across the City Hall Plaza…or check out our world scholar collections at the Henry
Birnbaum Library. Need access to a computer in the middle of the night? Check out our 24-hour
computer lab at One Pace Plaza!
You can also get involved with the various student organizations offered on the NYC campus! Find
information on clubs and organizations at http://www.pace.edu/student-development/nyc.
You’ll have full access to the Civic Center Gym at One Pace Plaza, which includes a newly-upgraded
cardio and weight room, and full-size basketball courts to play pick-up games or intramural basketball.
The beautiful Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts hosts an ongoing series of music, theater, and
dance performances featuring professional artists and students from Pace’s Performing Arts and
Actors’ Studio programs!
The Henry Birnbaum Library
The Henry Birnbaum Library contains a wide range of materials and services to assist you with your
studies and in performing required research. Browse the collection, meet the librarians, practice using
the catalog or some of the electronic databases, or browse the Web using the guides produced by the
librarians. That’s the best way to acquaint yourself with the workings of your campus library!
The Learning Commons
The Learning Commons is designed to support the success of the Pace community. It is an area where
students can go for support services on an individual or group basis. The Commons is divided into
various work spaces designed for individuals and groups both large and small. Services available
include library help, writing assistance, tutorial assistance, and technical help…or stop by to sit and
relax! Students can also access a variety of technology at the Commons.
Other New York City campus highlights include:
 The Eddie Layton Student Union
 Inside the Actors’ Studio on Bravo TV
 University Health Care Unit
 University Health and Counseling Services
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SUPPORT SERVICES
Health Insurance and Medical Care
Like most colleges and universities in the United States, Pace University has a mandatory health
insurance policy for international students. Please note that all full-time international students are
automatically enrolled in the University’s international student health insurance program. The fee will
automatically be added to your student invoice. If you have comparable insurance coverage under
another policy, you may be able to waive the Pace University International Student Health Insurance
Plan. The insurance policy, instructions on applying for a waiver and the waiver form are posted at
http://www.pace.edu/health-insurance/international-students.
As a student at Pace University, you must provide the University with proof of immunity to certain
diseases, outlined on the immunization form: http://www.pace.edu/osa/studentrecords/immunization. THE IMMUNIZATIONS ARE MANDATORY FOR ANY STUDENT IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK. The
report must be completed, translated into English, and signed by a physician. Please submit the
Immunization Form and supporting documents to the University Office of Student Assistance (OSA). If
you do not have proof of vaccinations, or your report is not complete, you will be able to get vaccines
through the University Health Care (UHC) Unit, located at New York City Campus, 41 Park Row, 3rd
floor, Suite 313.
Housing
Housing information is included in your acceptance package. If you have any questions about housing
please contact the Office of Residential Life. You can also read about housing here:
http://www.pace.edu/housing.
Money & Banking
Initial Expenses
The amount you need to bring will depend on your personal spending habits. We recommend that you
bring USD $500-$750 in cash, plus a Visa or Master Card issued from a bank in your home country that
will work in the U.S., to cover your expenses the first few weeks in New York. Be sure to check what
charges may be applied to your account at home for using these cards in the U.S. Pre-paid Visa or
Master Cards are much safer than carrying large amounts of cash; you will need to know your PIN—the
4 digit Personal Identification Number used to withdraw money from a cash machine (ATM or MAC).
Without this, you may not be able to use your card to pay for purchases.
It is advised that you inform your credit or debit card company that you will be studying and travelling
abroad in order to avoid the risk of your account being frozen for suspicion of fraud.
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International Money Order (IMO)
IMOs can be bought from banks in your home country. You buy the order in your local currency and
your bank issues a check in U.S. Dollars. You can then deposit this check into a U.S. bank account or
exchange it for cash.
Wire transfers
To make a wire transfer, you will need to have a U.S. bank account already. Your bank at home will
transfer money electronically to your U.S. account. Wire transfers are quick and safe, but do have
service charges; ask your local bank what their fees may be.
Opening a U.S. Bank Account
The following documents are usually required to open a US bank account:
 Passport
 Visa
 Print out of your electronic arrival record (I-94)
 Form I-20
 Letter from ISS certifying student status
It may take some time before your account is set up and ready for you to access your money.
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New York, NY
The City
New York City, widely known as the Big Apple, is home to America’s most populous and exciting city!
As an art, business, finance, and cultural capital New York offers a wide array of activities and
entertainment, as well as opportunities for education and development. From the architectural
wonders of the Empire State Building and Grand Central Terminal, to the artistic creations in the
Guggenheim Museum, and across the Hudson River to the trademark of freedom – the Statue of
Liberty – New York City has been an inspiration to some of the greatest entrepreneurs, entertainers,
and leaders in the world.
Fast Facts
• State: New York
• Population: 8,405,837 in the City and 19,831,858 in the Metropolitan area
• Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time
• Major airports: John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia, and Newark-Liberty
Did you know?
• New York City consists of 5 boroughs – Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten
Island
• New York City hosted 56.4 million visitors in 2014 and is the #1 U.S. destination for
international travelers
Things to do in NYC
• Visit Wall Street, the U.S. Stock Exchange, and the U.S. Federal Reserve
• Take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
• Go to Times Square and get discounted tickets to Broadway and off-Broadway shows
• Support some of the greatest sports teams in the world! NYC is home to the Yankees and Mets
baseball teams, NY Knicks and Brooklyn Nets basketball teams, Giants and Jets football teams,
the Rangers and Islanders professional hockey teams, and the NY Red Bulls soccer team
• Go shopping in SOHO or on Fifth Avenue
• Visit world-famous museums such as the Metropolitan Museum, the Museum of Modern Art,
Guggenheim Museum, or the American Museum of Natural History
• Take a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge
• Bicycle or run around Central Park, followed by a picnic
• Listen to jazz music at a Greenwich Village club, visit Lincoln Center for a classical music, opera,
or ballet performance
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Weather: Four Seasons of Fun!
Temperatures on campus vary throughout the academic year, and a variety of clothing types should be
considered when packing for your journey to Pace. However, you will have plenty of opportunity to
purchase any clothing or supplies you will need once you arrive, should you need to do so.
Lightweight clothing is recommended for the summer months when the weather is hot and humid.
Temperatures from June through September range from 70°F (21°C) to more than 90°F (32°C). A
raincoat, rain boots, and an umbrella are useful for rainy weather.
Winters (November through March) can be quite cold, with snow and ice a routine possibility. Be sure
to bring warm and adequate clothing! Temperatures range from 20°F (-7°C) to 45°F (7°C), and
sometimes may drop as low as 0°F (-18°C). A good winter coat, scarf, boots, and gloves are
recommended.
Autumn (September to October) and spring (April to May) are usually moderate with temperatures
ranging from 50°F (10°C) to 70°F (20°C).
As a busy college student you will spend a large amount of time in classes, at the University library, and
socializing with friends. For everyday dress, casual attire is appropriate for both men and women – this
includes casual trouser/pants, blue jeans, skirts, dresses, and tops. You want to feel comfortable
throughout the day and stylish when appropriate. On occasions such as a banquet, religious services,
or an elegant dinner that require semiformal clothing, a suit is appropriate for men and a dress for
women. As you pack your baggage, you may want to bring something traditional from your country –
perhaps a local outfit, costume, dress, or simply a piece of clothing you may want to wear at special
international events. You may also consider bringing a special artifact or a few pictures from home; it
should be something that you would like to share with your new American friends about your country
and culture. If you are ever unsure about what clothing to wear, ask an American friend what he or she
would wear.
IN CLOSING…
We hope that this information has provided answers to some of your questions. Of course we are glad
to answer all of your questions and concerns once you arrive at Pace University. You are always
welcome at the International Students & Scholars Office! We are here to make sure you feel welcome
and are comfortable with your home away from home. If your plans change and you are unable to
attend Pace University, please notify your admissions counselor at once and return the Form I-20 to
them. Your cooperation in this matter is important.
We wish you a safe and pleasant journey to Pace and we look forward to meeting you! Once you arrive
on campus, if you have any questions that we can assist you with, visit the International Students &
Scholars Office at 163 William Street, 16th Floor in New York City. Office hours are Monday through
Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm.